Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: 3DS

Sega! has unloaded a bundle of some of their golden oldies on 3DS today with Sega 3D Classics Collection. The nine-game compilation includes two titles that are making their North American debut, including Power Drift and Puyo Puyo 2, with the former being a Yu Suzuki-created kart racer and the latter an addictive puzzler with a versus mode. The remaining seven, all detailed below, include Altered Beast, Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa, Fantasy Zone II W – Fantasy Zone II W, Galaxy Force II, Maze Walker, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Thunder Blade. Several of these have been available on eShop for quite a while, but this is the first time all are being sold in physical form for the system. To get additional insight into the porting process, check out the latest interview conducted by Sega with developer M2.

The Langrisser series returns today with the release of Langrisser Re:Incarnation -Tensei- for 3DS. The latest entry in the long-running tactical role-playing series was developed in conjunction with creators Masaya Games and released digitally and physically by Aksys. It’s been 15 years since the last release, and players are once again being summoned to a land at war as three factions vie for control. A branching path will open new storylines based on the player’s decisions, as they serve the Armies of Light, Forces of Darkness, or the Empire in a campaign estimated to last over 100 hours.

Monster Hunter Generations’ new Styles mechanics have been demonstrated in a new trailer and screenshots. Styles allow access to different Hunter Arts—chargeable skills and power-ups—and come in four forms: Adept, Aerial, Guild, and Striker. Adept offers additional blocking and dodging options based on the equipped weapon; Aerial adds a new jumping ability so that players can attack from above, and have more chances to mount and knock down monsters; Guild reverts to Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate-style gameplay for all weapons; and Striker is all about building up powerful attacks. PAX attendees will get a chance to check the game out for themselves in four-player co-op sessions at Capcom’s Booth (#3117).

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, released in Japan as Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final in Japan (changed so that we “understand the game’s epic nature”), has been officially announced for North America. The storyline intersects with the events of 2013’s Shin Megami Tensei IV, and has a few of the same characters, but Atlus notes that no experience with the original is required. Instead of being based on the previous protagonists, Apocalypse is centered on the humans that live within what’s left of Tokyo. As a recently deceased Hunter, players find themselves resurrected after swearing allegiance to the god Dagda. Two paths are open to progress, either anarchy or peace, as Dagda schemes against other gods. Demon fusion returns, and there are plenty to fuse too, as the game features over 450 of them. Fusion is further augmented by skill affinities. In addition to their three demon companions, players are also joined by one of seven partners. Look for Apocalypse this summer.

A few pages have been released from 7th Dragon III: Code VFD’s art book. The book will be bundled for free with launch copies of Sega’s upcoming dungeon-crawling role-playing game. The 28-page work will feature some of the game’s environments, enemies, and character classes, with work from character designer Miwa Shirow. Check out the sample below.

Sega has announced that their upcoming 3DS RPG 7th Dragon III Code: VFD will be available in stores and eShop on July 12. Additionally, a new character-creation video has also gone live highlighting the dozens of voice options and physical customization options—96 in total—available for each of the party’s nine characters. Of course, the most important decision is the character’s class, and all eight were recently named: Agent, Banisher, Duelist, Fortuner, God Hand, Mage, Rune Knight, and Samurai.

Sega has released a new video from 7th Dragon III Code: VFD giving an overview of the three different eras that will be visited by players. As the hero’s team takes advantage of Nodens Enterprises’ time-traveling technology to track down True Dragons, they will visit the ancient past, present, and future. Aside from modern Tokyo—well, modern as in 2100—players will go back to ancient Atlantis, with its dangerous lower wards and skilled blacksmiths, and futuristic Eden, a bleak land home three areas.

Monster Hunter X will be coming stateside this summer as Monster Hunter Generations. The game features callbacks to previous entries with popular areas and monsters returning in an updated form to fit with the new content. As a hunter, players seek out and take down giant beasts, earning Zenny and gathering the resources necessary to craft better armor and weapons. Amidst the hunting trips, four villages also need to be protected from new threats known as the Fated Four. There is a greater emphasis on customization this time around, with Styles and Hunter Arts. Unique playstyles can be molded by choosing moves from four different combat Styles, while Hunter Arts add new skills and power-ups. In Prowler Mode, players get to play as a Felyne for the first time, complete with unique quests.

Mebius’ action role-playing game Sadame has been released for 3DS. Published by Rising Star Japan, the $14.99 digital release features a tale of four heroes battling their way through over 20 bosses and hordes of enemies during the Senhoku period of Japan. Four classes—Monk, Ninja, Rogue, and Samurai—are represented, and each has their own skill trees, abilities, encounters, and events. Armor and weapons can be shared between characters, and weapons can be upgraded. StreetPass functionality allows other player’s characters to join in and assist with the quest.